Chlorocrambe hastata - Overview
Chlorocrambe hastata, also known as desert green nowort, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the western United States and can be found in many deserts and dry habitats in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.
Appearance
Chlorocrambe hastata is a compact perennial herb that usually grows up to 10-40 cm tall. It has several basal leaves that are oblong to spoon-shaped and have a distinctive bluish-green color. The stem is slender, slightly hairy, and branched at the top, bearing small greenish-white flowers in cylindrical terminal clusters. The bloom time for this plant is from May to July.
Uses
Chlorocrambe hastata has several uses in traditional medicine. Native American Indians used the plant as a medicinal herb for treating a wide variety of ailments, from pneumonia and coughs to colic and inflammation. The leaves are rich in vitamin C, and the plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it valuable in treating infections and wounds.
Chlorocrambe hastata is also used in landscaping due to its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and attractive foliage. It can be used as a groundcover, in rock gardens, and along borders.
Light Requirements
Chlorocrambe hastata is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow well. It is commonly found in areas with no or only partial shading. If grown in too much shade, the plant tends to grow taller and become weaker due to its increased effort to reach sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth, Chlorocrambe hastata prefers a temperature range of 16-27 degrees Celsius. It is tolerant of moderate frosts and can survive short bouts of freezing temperatures. However, prolonged freezing can be detrimental to the plant, causing physical damage or death.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils. It prefers sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and rocky soils. The ideal soil pH range for Chlorocrambe hastata is slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0-7.5. This plant is highly tolerant of saline soils, making it suitable for coastal areas with high salinity.
Water Requirements
Chlorocrambe hastata is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of low rainfall. However, regular watering is required to achieve optimal growth. Overwatering or waterlogging can be detrimental to the plant, causing root rot or other soil-borne diseases.
Nutrient Requirements
Chlorocrambe hastata is a relatively low-maintenance plant when it comes to fertilizer requirements. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it has a symbiotic relationship with beneficial bacteria that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a plant-available form. Therefore, excessive nitrogen application is not necessary. However, it does require small doses of phosphorous, potassium, and micronutrients for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Chlorocrambe hastata (S. Wats.) Rydb.
Chlorocrambe hastata is a biennial or perennial herb that thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers well-draining and organic-rich soil with a pH around 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should always be moist but not waterlogged. You can grow Chlorocrambe hastata from seeds, cuttings, or division of established plants.
Watering Needs for Chlorocrambe hastata (S. Wats.) Rydb.
Chlorocrambe hastata plants require regular and consistent watering, especially during the growing season. These plants prefer moist soil, but over-watering can lead to root rot and death. Always water the soil and not the foliage to avoid fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Fertilization for Chlorocrambe hastata (S. Wats.) Rydb.
Chlorocrambe hastata is a light feeder that doesn't require much fertilization. However, you can improve the soil quality by adding compost or well-rotted manure during the planting process. If you feel the soil needs extra nutrients, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, preferably in the early spring and late summer.
Pruning Chlorocrambe hastata (S. Wats.) Rydb.
Chlorocrambe hastata doesn't require much pruning as it maintains its shape naturally. However, you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. After the second bloom has ended, you can cut the plant back to basal foliage. This will help the plant conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.
Propagation of Chlorocrambe hastata
Chlorocrambe hastata is propagated through seeds, as it does not propagate vegetatively. The seeds are the best way to start new plants, and they can be collected from mature plants.
Seed Collection
The seeds of Chlorocrambe hastata are typically ready for harvest about one month after the flowers have bloomed. The seeds are collected by handpicking the dry seed pods from the plants before they have fully dispersed in the wind. The pods are then stored in a dry, cool location until it is time to use them for propagation.
Seed Treatment
Before planting the seeds, it is essential to treat them to break their dormancy. Soaking the seeds in water or cold stratification for several weeks can help overcome dormancy. This process will help the seeds germinate faster and have higher rates of success.
Planting Seeds
Plant the treated seeds in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Seeds should be sown at a depth of about three times their size. Cover them with a layer of soil and water gently. Do not let the soil dry out during the germination process.
Transplanting
Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground if the soil is suitable. Chlorocrambe hastata prefers well-draining soil and prefers full sun. Ensure the plants receive adequate space to grow as they can reach maturity of up to three feet in height.
Disease management
Chlorocrambe hastata is relatively resistant to diseases, but occasionally it can get infected with fungal or bacterial infections. The most common diseases affecting this plant are stem rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant dry, especially during the rainy season. Proper irrigation systems and drainage facilities should be set up. Cleaning up fallen leaves and debris around the plant can help to prevent the spread of pathogens. Fungicides and bactericides can be effective in controlling these diseases, but it is important to follow the instructions on the label to avoid damage to the plant.
Pest management
Chlorocrambe hastata is also relatively pest-resistant, but it can get infested with a few pests. The most common pests affecting this plant are spider mites, aphids, and grasshoppers.
To manage these pests, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly. Applying a strong stream of water can help remove spider mites and aphids from the plant. Insecticidal sprays or soaps can also be used, but it is important to follow instructions on the label and avoid harming beneficial insects. Another option is to introduce natural predators of the pests, such as ladybugs or lacewings that can help control the pest population. Grasshoppers can be controlled by using sticky barriers around the plant or by using organic repellents such as neem or garlic oil.
